Inspired by Robertson’s 2017 bestselling memoir Testimony, ONCE WERE BROTHERS: ROBBIE ROBERTSON AND THE BAND is a confessional, cautionary, and sometimes humorous tale of Robertson’s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music. The film blends rare archival footage and interviews with many of Robertson’s friends and collaborators, including Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Scorsese, Taj Mahal, Peter Gabriel, David Geffen and Ronnie Hawkins, among others.
“...It doesn’t require a lot of fancy footwork when you’ve got an enthusiastic on-camera fan base including Bruce Springsteen, Scorsese, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal and Van Morrison, a terrific storytelling arc, a treasure trove of archival footage and, naturally, those iconic songs.” —Michael Rechtshaffen, Holllywood Reporter
“...Robertson and his filmmakers do let [Levon] Helm get the last word here after all—with a magnificent film clip of the drummer singing ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.’ They were all stars, even if they weren’t really brothers.” —Chris William, Variety
“With Robertson’s deep timber and vivid recollections,…interviews with fellow rock luminaries and a dizzying amount of rock and roll archival clips—it’s an entertaining account of Robertson’s journey through monumental music moments.” —Kelly Boutsalis, nowtoronto.com
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